Friday, March 30, 2012

Protect Your Floors and Beautify Your Rooms with Area Rugs

By Sara Jane Marcum


Any interior decorator worth their salt will tell you that there are few design additions that do more for a room than adding an area rug alongside stone, hardwood, tile or laminate flooring. They are great for creating contrasts in color and texture in your living spaces, and adding an area rug also cuts down on the wear and tear on your original flooring, especially in high traffic areas.

Area Rug Types. There are too many types of rug material and styles that are on the market today to list. It really comes down to an individuals taste and need. A list of the most popular styles, and why they may be a good choice, of area rugs can be found below.

Sisal Area Rugs. An area rug made of all-natural fiber from a sisal plant is referred to as a sisal area rug. Sisal material is an ideal material to make area rugs out of because it is stronger and more durable than flax, jute or even hemp and has been used for thousands of years to make area rugs. Area rugs made of sisal are normally light brown or greenish in color and has a woven style look. Sisal area rugs can be bleached or dyed and are many times fitted with canvas or leather borders.

The Oriental Area Rug. Oriental area rugs often refer to thick, ornate wool area rugs with intricate dyed designs. Persian area rugs are among the most popular style of oriental area rugs as the illustrate mid-eastern designs and have a thick warm feel to them. Oriental area rugs also come in contemporary designs as well ranging from abstract illustrations to country western motifs. There are all types of oriental area rugs out there to match any home design.

Bamboo Area Rugs. Bamboo rugs come in a plethora of styles, including matchstick, woven fiber, and wider, slat bamboo designs. Add to that a number of available color choices, possible border materials, and even paint on design, and it's clear why these rugs are surging in popularity. Bamboo is also a "green" manufacturing material, since it can be grown on plantations and harvested every few years without killing the plant, making bamboo rugs an environmentally friendly choice as well.

Seagrass and Mountaingrass Area Rugs. Seagrass and mountaingrass area rugs are much like sisal area rugs because they are made from the fibers of plants that have been woven together to create a natural and durable rug or mat. Seagrass is a cheaper material than mountaingrass, in price, however it is a slippery material and is not the best material to use on stairs. Seagrass can also develop mold or mildew and is not the best material to use in hot or humid places. Many in the rug industry refer to mountaingrass as hemp. Mountaingrass is an attractive material that is extremely durable and can be used in any space in any situation.

Of course, there are other types of area rug styles out there for you to choose from, such as outdoor vinyl area rugs and shag area rugs, if none of these sound like what you're looking for. And if you are looking for ways to both beautify and protect your home flooring, talk to an interior decorator to get even more ideas. An area rug is a great jumping off point and the wealth of style possibilities are virtually endless.




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